The move comes at the request of Sen. Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), a Cuban-American who is popular among Florida’s Hispanics. It marks the second time in two days that Mr. Rubio, a tea party favorite who is remaining neutral in his state’s GOP primary, has come to Mr. Romney’s defense. Mr. Rubio has had a long relationship with Mr. Gingrich and is assumed to be on the party’s vice presidential short list.

“We want to be responsive to him,” said Jose Mallea, Mr. Gingrich’s Florida state director and Mr. Rubio’s former campaign manager. “He’s someone we respect. We obviously care about his opinions.” The two leading GOP candidates have been battling over immigration policy as they vie for the Florida’s large Cuban vote.

Mr. Gingrich’s campaign released an ad last week that attacks Mr. Romney for being the “most anti-immigrant candidate” and for once parroting Cuba’s former leader, Fidel Castro, in a speech. The anti-immigration theme was used again in a radio ad that ran briefly this morning, Mr. Mallea said.

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